Numerous NHL stars to attend Cam Atkinson's Keep Hope Alive Festival

David Fierro

Published 6:22 pm, Thursday, July 25, 2013

Cam Atkinson's wish of playing in the NHL came true when he made his debut for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2011. Now the Greenwich native is helping children, who have been dealt with a tough hand in life, fulfill their wish list.

Last summer, Atkinson organized his inaugural Keep Hope Alive Festival -- an event benefiting the Marty Lyons Foundation -- at his mother Ellen's cashmere store Magaschoni in Greenwich. The fundraiser was a success, as $16,000 was raised for the foundation, which grants wishes to children aged three to 17 who are suffering with life threatening and terminal diseases.

Inspired by last year's event, Atkinson will hold his Second annual Keep Hope Alive Festival on Friday at the Old Town Hall in Stamford from 7-10 p.m.

"Being able to grant more wishes for kids and their families and be part of the experience is one of the most humbling actions a person can take," said Atkinson, who starred at Boston College prior to being drafted by the Blue Jackets. "I am blessed and fortunate that I can make a difference in these kids' lives."

Though the event has yet to take place, more than $30,000 has already been raised through early and online donations.

"It's going to be a great event," Atkinson said. "The kids can sit back, relax, mingle with the pros and have fun playing the games that will be available."

Atkinson left last year's Keep Hope Alive Festival inspired to make the event even more successful this summer.

"We got our toes wet a little last year and got a feel for what it was like to organize such a fundraiser," Atkinson said. "Last year, we only had a little bit more than a month to plan for the event. We've been working on this for a long time this year and were able to add a lot of things and make improvements. We have already raised more money than we did last year."

Of course, Atkinson knows the event would not be the same without his NHL comrades contributing to the charitable cause.

"It's awesome to see them come out for the event," Atkinson said. "I'm so thankful to them for seeing things the same way I do and helping out the foundation."

Lyons, a standout on the New York Jets' defensive line for 12 years, established his foundation while he was a player in 1982. The two-time Pro Bowl selection received the NFL Man of the Year Award in 1984 for giving back to the community.

"I'm looking forward to the event, it's always great to see people come out and raise money for those less fortunate than us," Lyons said. "Friday, there's going to be a group of NHL players there who realize how fortunate they are to play hockey, a game they love. They understand the importance of giving back to the community."

Since 1982, the Marty Lyons Foundation has established 10 chapters around the country, one of which is in Connecticut.

"It's been very rewarding to see the foundation grow," Lyons said. "We have been fortunate to grant wishes to more than 7,000 kids with illnesses. During that time, unfortunately, 50 percent of those kids didn't live to see the age of 18."

Lyons said he has learned plenty over the years from the youngsters bravely battling their illnesses.

"These kids have taught me about life and what is really important in life," Lyons said. "They know they are here for a reason -- to change the way we think and act. If you spend time with them, they will give you a sign of how grateful they are for making the time to be with them. You walk away with a whole new understanding of life."